In 1983 we moved to Missouri. We moved to a town in one of the northern tier of counties. We quickly discovered something interesting: everyone was waving at us as we passed on the road. At first we thought it was because we were the new clergy in the area, but it was long before anyone could recognize our vehicles. Turns out that in the two northern tiers of counties in Missouri people wave to each other as they pass on the road. We moved out of that area and eventually quit waving, but we have now lived up north again for 7 years and it is ingrained in us. It's funny to see the reactions of people outside the area when we wave!

Being friendly often catches people off-guard. It makes me think of Jesus and the woman at the well. She was at the well at a time she knew she would stand the least chance of interacting with other people. She was protecting herself. But there was Jesus, not only at the well, but engaging her in conversation. It was quite awhile before she trusted that he meant her no harm. Our society has become so fearful of one another that often we don't even know our neighbors, and are suspicious when someone reaches out in friendship. I think this needs to change. The woman at the well became a new person because of her interaction with Jesus. How different would our communities be if we intentionally interacted with others.

Loving God, you put before us many people who are in need of contact, of friendship, of feeling valued. When we don't have a connection with our neighbors fear and suspicion grow, and we can treat one another badly. Grant us the courage to open ourselves to those persons so that the walls which divide us will be torn down. Let us be the catalyst for change in our communities and beyond....